Success story: Tackling a nursing shortage with flexible learning

Success story: Torbay and South Devon

Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust partnered with The Open University to address long-standing nursing shortages caused by rural workforce challenges and limited training opportunities. By adopting a flexible, work-based learning model, the Trust has successfully expanded its talent pipeline, strengthened workforce resilience and improved access to nursing careers within the local community.

Case overview

  • Partner: Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust
  • Sector: Public sector, NHS
  • Challenges: Skills gaps and recruitment limitations for nurses caused by rural location and lack of local University options
  • Solution: Registered Nurse Degree Apprenticeship delivered through The Open University's flexible learning model
  • Outcome: Increased training opportunities and career progression routes for local people, helping the Trust recruit and retain skilled nurses




This partnership highlights how flexible, work-based learning can create sustainable solutions to national nursing workforce shortages, particularly in regions where recruitment has historically been difficult.

Workforce challenges in rural areas

Like many NHS Trusts in rural regions, Torbay and South Devon faced significant barriers to recruiting qualified nurses. Limited access to local higher education institutions, combined with unreliable transport links, made it difficult for people to train and build careers in the area.

To address these challenges, the Trust needed a solution that would remove geographical barriers, support existing staff to upskill, and build a sustainable local workforce.

The Trust has a real commitment to supporting learning and education. We know that without a well-educated, well-supported workforce we can’t deliver that really high-quality patient care that we strive towards.

Laura Fuller,
Head of Clinical Education,Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust

Flexible learning and self-funded solutions

The OU's flexible, distance learning approach enabled nursing students to train without leaving their community. Learners could balance study with work and personal commitments, reducing the cost and time barriers associated with traditional campus-based routes.

Many students chose to self-fund through loans, seeing this as an investment in their future careers. For the Trust, this approach expanded its recruitment pool without increasing organisational training costs - a crucial factor in workforce planning and retention strategies.

I don’t have to travel to another city to go to university, I can do it from my own home – it just makes everything so much easier. I’ve looked into other avenues of nursing before, but I was never able to make those things come together in a way I needed.

Leanne Dart,
Student Nurse, Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust

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Partnership outcomes and local impact

This partnership has enabled the Trust to train and retain more nurses locally, reducing reliance on external recruitment and improving workforce stability. Staff can now build careers in their communities, helping address national nursing workforce shortages while supporting local health services.

With over 20 years' experience delivering nursing qualifications in partnership with employers, The Open University provides a proven model for upskilling healthcare staff and supporting long-term workforce planning.

I think it will pay dividends in the future when I’ve got a career that I love and one that’s more financially stable. Being a registered nurse will open a huge amount of doors for me. The sky’s the limit really of what I can then go on to do.

Leanne Dart
Student Nurse, Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust

Solving your workforce challenges

The Open University works with NHS Trusts and healthcare employers to tackle skills gaps, reduce recruitment pressures and build workforce resilience.

Our flexible learning model enables staff to train while working, creating sustainable talent pipelines and increasing retention. Whether you're facing regional nursing shortages or broader workforce planning challenges, we can help tailor solutions to your organisation.

Get in touch to start a conversation about your workforce needs.

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